Raina wants Rohit & Virat in India’s 2027 ODI World Cup squad
Suresh Raina has strongly advocated for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to be part of India’s 2027 ODI World Cup campaign. Both batting icons stepped away from Test cricket in May this year, leaving questions over their white-ball future. India batting lineup, led by Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Rishabh Pant, handled the Test transition smoothly in the recent Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
India’s next ODI assignment is in October in Australia, with the next World Cup still two years away. Rohit will be 40 and Kohli 39 by then, but Raina believes their ODI experience remains irreplaceable.
India’s Top-Order Stability Concerns
“India don’t have dependable players at No. 1 and No. 3 (in ODIs) at the moment, especially when chasing,” Raina told Telecom Asia Sport.
“Rohit and Virat’s experience is very important. It’s crucial for the seniors to stay involved with the juniors. Shubman (Gill) has done really well, but he needs players like Virat and Rohit,” he added.
Proven Match-Winners in ICC Tournaments
Only five months ago, Rohit and Kohli made significant contributions in the Champions Trophy in the UAE. Rohit top-scored in the final against New Zealand and won Player of the Match. Kohli’s 84 against Australia in the semi-final and his century versus Pakistan underlined his big-match temperament.
“They have won the Champions Trophy, they have won the World Cups. Virat won the last IPL also. For the astute leadership they have shown during their respective careers, they need to be part of the dressing room,” Raina added.
India’s ODI series in Australia begins on October 19 in Perth, with the following matches scheduled in Adelaide and Sydney. The series could mark the return of Rohit and Kohli to international cricket.
Stay tuned for all the latest Match Predictions, Fantasy Tips, Cricket updates, match highlights, player analysis, and viral moments!
